UNCERTAINTIES WORRY ASPIRANTS

PATNA: Protests in Bihar against Army’s new short-term recruitment scheme, “Agnipath”, were most violent in Bhojpur and Saran districts, which traditionally have a large number of aspirants for jobs in defence services.

Most of the aspirants HT spoke to are apprehensive that “Agnipath” scheme could mean discontinuance of regular recruitment rallies for entry into defence forces. “After four-year training, so-called Aginveers will be nowhere, hunting for jobs in the prime of their life. There is neither any guarantee for jobs, nor any medical or canteen facilities for them. There will no security for their families,” said Ram Niwas Singh, an Army aspirant from of Saran.

Another aspirant, Pankaj Kumar of Ara, said, “Once into Army as a jawan, one could go up to junior commissioned officer (JCO) level, but now fouryear training offers no job security. They will neither be entitled to pension nor be treated as ex-servicemen. Even during training, aspirants will remain concerned about their future. After completing training, they will be nowhere.”

Under the current system, young men aged 16.5-21 years were selected for a minimum of 15 years. After their retirement, they are entitled to pension, medical and canteen facilities. A new recruit is made a jawan after 18 months of service. After three years, he is promoted as Lance Naik. After clearing departmental exam, the Lance Naik is made Havildar and then promoted as JCOs or Honorary Captain. Under the new system, they will be recruited at the age of 17.5 -21 years. The length of service will be limited to four years for most of the recruits, who will not be entitled for pension and other perks.